Sheriff touts programs, opens bid for 2nd term

The K-9 explosives expert spoke up right on cue when Berks County Sheriff Eric J. Weaknecht introduced him Thursday as one of the accomplishments of his first three years as sheriff.

Jynx and his handler, Kyle Pagerly, and Arez, a drug-detection dog, and his handler, Danny Voorhees, were on hand to support Weaknecht as he announced his bid to win the GOP nomination for a second four-year term.

The crowd laughed when Weaknecht said the dogs were the only members of his staff being paid for attending.

"They insisted on overtime," he said. "They will file a grievance if they don't get it."

Among other accomplishments Weaknecht listed were the elimination of political hiring and the addition of agility, written and psychological testing to make sure the staff is professional.

New programs include a course for students about to learn to drive; courses in anti-bullying and stranger danger for elementary students; a system for tracking stolen vehicles; and enforcement of vehicle and driving laws.

Weaknecht said that repeated advertisements about defendants wanted on warrants resulted in a 108 percent increase in the number of defendants captured in 2010 over 2009.

And he said he had saved $1 million in his department's budget over the last three years.

"We really are making a difference," he said. "I want to use the dollars to get the bad guys off the street and in prison."

His hardworking staff made all the accomplishments possible, and makes him look good every day, Weaknecht said.

He launched his campaign at the airport because he soon will be opening a substation there.

"It will be more convenient, free parking, and we'll be here to assist in any way we can," Weaknecht said.

He asked the crowd to support him again in the May 17 primary election.

"I'm running because I'm a sheriff of the people, by the people and for the people," he said. "Let's keep this thing going. Let's keep Berks safe. Let's keep Weaknecht sheriff."